Cleveland Browns (3-13) are set to face the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST, with coverage available on ABC and ESPN.
According to BetMGM, the Ravens are favored by 19.5 points. The Browns hold a record of 4-12 against the spread, while the Ravens are 9-6-1 in that category. Historically, Baltimore has the upper hand in this matchup, leading the series with 36 wins to Cleveland’s 15. The last time these two teams met, the Browns secured a victory over the Ravens 29-24 on October 27, 2024, in Cleveland.
In their most recent games, the Browns suffered a defeat to the Miami Dolphins, ending 20-3, while the Ravens triumphed over the Houston Texans with a score of 31-2. Currently, Cleveland’s offense ranks 27th overall, 28th in rushing, 20th in passing, and 32nd in scoring. In contrast, Baltimore’s offense is highly rated, sitting first overall, second in rushing, sixth in passing, and third in scoring. On the defensive side, Cleveland ranks 17th overall, 19th against the run, 13th against the pass, and 24th in scoring, whereas Baltimore’s defense is 14th overall, first against the run, 30th against the pass, and 13th in scoring.
A notable player for the Browns is defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, who has excelled despite the team’s struggles. He leads the league with 14 sacks and is aiming for a strong finish, as he has accomplished the feat of recording 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons. Garrett has also expressed his desire for a clear plan for the team’s future, indicating his disinterest in rejoining a rebuilding effort.
On the Ravens’ side, quarterback Lamar Jackson is in the spotlight, hoping to bolster his already impressive campaign as he makes a compelling case for the MVP. A win in this game would secure the AFC North title for Baltimore for the second consecutive year. Jackson’s current passer rating stands at 121.6, closing in on the single-season record of 122.5 set by Aaron Rodgers in 2011.
The matchup to keep an eye on will be Baltimore’s developing secondary going up against Cleveland’s passing attack. Earlier this season, Jameis Winston had a strong showing against the Ravens with three touchdown passes; however, with him now benched, Bailey Zappe will be taking snaps for the Browns.
In terms of injuries, Cleveland has several players ruled out for Saturday: cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder), tight end David Njoku (knee), running backs Jerome Ford (ankle) and Pierre Strong Jr. (concussion), and linebacker Jordan Hicks (concussion). Additionally, wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who scored two touchdowns against the Ravens in their last meeting, has been placed on injured reserve.
Baltimore is also dealing with some injury issues, including running back Justice Hill (concussion/illness), along with several others who have missed practice time due to illness.
Historically, the Ravens have had strong dominance over this rivalry, having won 11 straight games and 20 of the last 24 matchups from 2006 to 2017. Nonetheless, the Browns have shown signs of improvement recently, winning four of the last six encounters. Cleveland last achieved a season sweep over Baltimore in 2007, and Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh, a former Browns fan, has an impressive record of 25-8 against their rivals.
Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski was deliberating throughout the week before confirming that Zappe would start as quarterback, following Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s underwhelming performances that included three interceptions and intentional grounding penalties. Zappe, who had been signed from the Kansas City practice squad, will be the latest quarterback to take the helm, marking the 40th starting QB for Cleveland since 1999 and fourth this season.
Garrett has only led the league in sacks once, with a career-high of 16, which he achieved in 2021 and 2022. Against the Ravens, he has accumulated 8.5 sacks in 13 games. Meanwhile, Browns’ wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had an outstanding performance last week, recording a career-best 12 receptions, contributing to his overall tally of 84 for the season, which is just five short of tying Cleveland’s single-season record.
Cleveland’s woes also extend to turnovers, with only four interceptions on the season, marking the lowest figure since the Detroit Lions in 2008, and they trail with minus-2 yards on those picks. The league record for fewest interceptions in a season stands at 5, set by the 1959 L.A. Rams. This game will also mark the finale for Browns’ safety Rodney McLeod, who plans to retire after 13 seasons. Veteran left guard Joel Bitonio is still pondering his future and will decide post-season, taking into account his health and the team’s direction.
On the Ravens’ side, they would still emerge as division champions even with a loss if the Pittsburgh Steelers fall to the Cincinnati Bengals. Additionally, running back Derrick Henry has established a new Ravens record with 16 touchdowns this season, tying Jamal Lewis for the most rushing TDs in a single season at 14. Baltimore’s offense leads the league with 79 plays of at least 20 yards, and since Week 11, their defensive unit has permitted an NFL-low average of 16.3 points per game.
Fantasy owners should note that Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is a coveted target, leading all NFL tight ends with 10 receiving touchdowns and being a principal option in the red zone for Jackson.
